Ursula Heinen-Esser: Investments in ecosystems pay off
"Investments in ecosystems pay off. They are a cost-effective way to strengthen resistance to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. And they help contribute to food security, combat poverty and aid economic development," stated Ursula Heinen-Esser, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Environment Ministry, at the presentation of the latest report of the global TEEB study (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity). [
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New business initiative on solar thermal power plants welcomed
Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel has welcomed the business initiative for the construction of solar thermal power plants in desert regions. Gabriel said, "Renewable energy sources in Africa and the Middle Eastern countries represent an immense potential which can be tapped by means of solar thermal power plants. ..." [ more]
Germany and Ukraine expand cooperation on climate protection and nature conservation
Germany and Ukraine plan to expand their cooperation in the field of the environment. This was agreed by the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Environment Ministry, Michael Müller and the Ukrainian Vice Minister for the Environment Stepan Lysun during the meeting of the German-Ukrainian Environment Commission in Kiev. [ more]
Renewables continue to grow
In 2008, renewable energy sources again made a significant contribution to climate protection: The most recent figures show that the production of electricity, heat and fuel from renewable energy sources led to a reduction of environmentally harmful carbon dioxide by approximately 112 million tonnes. [ more]
G8 countries must use the crisis for a green recovery of their economies
In the face of the economic crisis, the G8 must live up to its leading role on ecological issues too, now more than ever. Matthias Machnig, State Secretary at the Federal Environment Ministry and head of the German delegation in Syracuse, Italy, stated: "In the field of environmental protection there is massive potential for economic growth and a low carbon - and thus more environmentally friendly - future." [ more]
Federal Environment Ministry provides 100 million euros funding for electrically powered vehicles
Electrically powered vehicles can help to reduce traffic-related CO2 and pollutant emissions - in particular if the power is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro and solar. The Federal Environment Ministry therefore issued a call for proposals for the funding of electric mobility on 23. April 2009. [ more]
Technical expertise and innovative power in response to the global crisis
Environmental policy and environmental technology play an increasingly important role in times of crisis. At the opening of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation in Berlin on 2 April 2009, Astrid Klug, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Environment Ministry, said: "In no time at all the financial crisis has impacted on the real economy. Countries with high export volumes such as Germany are particularly hit. ..." [ more]
Renewable energies create jobs and economic growth
Renewable energies once again proved their importance for growth and employment last year. According to the latest figures, the number of employees in this sector rose from 250,000 in 2007 to almost 280,000 - an increase of more than 10 percent. [ more]
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